Chapter 7 - Microporous Zeolite Membrane: Structure, Preparation, Characterization, and Application

Abstract

Microporous zeolite membranes have great potential in many applications. The structures of zeolite membrane are summarized first in terms of channel dimensionality and pore size. In situ synthesis and secondary growth are two methods commonly used for the preparation of zeolite membranes. The zeolite crystals can grow in hydrothermal or dry-gel conditions using oven or microwave heating. The synthesis of oriented and ultrathin zeolite layers, which is the ideal morphology to obtain high performance, is discussed in detail. The topology, morphology, pore structures, and defects are characterized by many instruments and analyzed to better understand and control the membrane's quality. Finally, applications of zeolite membranes in separation or catalyst reactor are simply reviewed.